Food

Rice farmers

October 9, 2023 People's Tonight 442 views

WITHOUT doubt, the government has laid the groundwork to ensure the achievement of a globally competitive agricultural sector and at the same time attain food security.

And to attain food security, which is a top priority of President Marcos’ administration, concerned government authorities ought to help the country’s rice farmers.

This, the government will do by providing the farmers not only in Luzon but elsewhere with much-needed equipment and facilities, such as tractors, harvesters and driers.

Aware of this, Marcos has ordered the Department of Agriculture (DA) to use the excess collection of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) to assist farmers.

He said the excess collection beyond P10 billion requirement should be used to provide facilities and equipment that will raise the competitiveness and output of farmers.

Republic Act (RA) No. 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Act, provides that revenues collected from rice tariffs should pay for the yearly requirement of P10 billion for the RCEF.

The amount will be used to fund government programs and projects that are aimed at helping the country’s palay farmers, who now find it hard to send their children to college.

“Lakihan natin ang galing sa Rice Tariffication Law at ibigay natin sa ating mga farmers sa pamamagitan ng mga equipment,” according to the President.

Like all well-meaning Filipinos, we support the Marcos’ administration’s efforts to uplift the living conditions of the country’s farmers, who comprise the bulk of the population.

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